Thailand

Transgender MPs make history in Thailand

Smiling broadly, Tanwarin triumphantly cast her vote for prime minister as the first transgender MPs enter parliament in Thailand, where tolerance for the LGBT community is not matched by understanding or opportunity in public life.In a sign of that enduring gap, the elderly speaker called for "Mr Tanwarin" to come forward in a vote late Wednesday that saw former junta chief Prayut Chan-o-cha elected as premier with the help of a bank of 250 appointed senators.Tanwarin Sukkhapisit,

7 June 2019
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The slow death of democracy in Thailand

Recently, the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University in Bangkok, Thailand, discovered that the majority of Thais believe that political polarisation will continue after country’s the new government is in place and that the problem will not be resolved easily because it is deeply entrenched in Thai society.

5 June 2019
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The last of Thailand’s Muslim weavers

Over the click-clack of the teak loom, Niphon's family laments the lack of apprentice weavers at his Bangkok silk shop, as modernity lures young Muslims away from a trade their community has dominated for generations.They say they are the last of the Muslim weavers of Baan Krua, a storied neighbourhood of dilapidated wooden houses and a mosque in downtown Bangkok, nearly engulfed by the city creep of condos and skyscrapers."This is Muslim heritage...

4 June 2019
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Child sex trade on the rise

The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) recently revealed that nine people had been arrested in Thailand, Australia and the United States (US) after investigators took down an online paedophilia ring.

27 May 2019
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End of an era as Prem Tinsulanonda dies

Former prime minister and close advisor to Thailand's revered royals Prem Tinsulanonda died early Sunday aged 98, a senior parliamentarian said, ending a decades-long career of unrivalled influence over Thai politics.Hailed as a stabilising force by allies but loathed by critics as a conservative underminer of democracy in the kingdom, Prem was a top aide to the late beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej and helped cement the unshakeable bond between the monarchy and the military.Prem "pa

27 May 2019
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Medical Marijuana: Thailand Leads The Way 

Thailand legalised the use of marijuana for medicinal and research purposes in December 2018, granting usage for patient treatment and research and industry activities only. The bill allows the use of cannabis or marijuana and kratom which is a local plant with opioid properties native to Southeast Asia region. Half a year into the new ruling, the number of patients who have applied for the medical marijuana amnesty is expected to exceed 50,000.

26 May 2019
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3D2N in Pattaya: Sea, Rivers and Mountains for Under MYR1,000

A coastal city known for its buzzing nightlife, there’s more to Pattaya than intoxicating parties. Stay away from the iffy after-hour services and you’ll be able to explore all this city can offer without breaking your wallet!Before getting on the flight to Pattaya, it’s much easier and cheaper to get travel SIM card while you’re still home.

24 May 2019
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Court blocks Thai MP from parliament

Thailand's constitutional court on Thursday suspended the wildly popular leader of an anti-junta party from parliament a day before it convenes, putting the brakes on his political career as it agreed to hear a case against him.The dramatic intervention is the latest blow against charismatic billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and his youth-oriented Future Forward Party, which stunned the military establishment by securing over six million votes in 24 March elections but has been s

24 May 2019
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3D2N in Phuket: An All Girls Weekend For Under MYR1,000

Bored of the old ‘cocktails after work’ as a way of unwinding with your girlfriends? Here’s another way to spend time with them, and get some proper TLC while you’re at it.Day 1: Tips and toes, and then trips to the shoresUpon reaching Phuket International Airport, the first thing you do after collecting your luggage is to look for a booth that sells SIM cards.

21 May 2019
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3D2N in Chiang Mai: Nature and Culture for Under MYR1,000

Dubbed the capital of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city steeped in history and blessed with nature. What’s more, it won’t burn a hole in your pocket! Follow this suggested itinerary for three days in Chiang Mai to get the best of the Rose of the North.Day 1: Cultured SocietyConsider today as your introduction to Chiang Mai and stay within the Old City.

20 May 2019
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10 Family-friendly Activities in Chiang Mai

Albeit having the status of the second largest city inThailand, Chiang Mai is worlds apart from the hectic chaos of Bangkok, yet itstill offers a soft landing for first-time tourists travelling with children.The Rose of the North also a city that is steep in Thai culture and big onconversation, which makes for quality family time. Here are some of ourfavourite family-friendly activities that you and your family can partake inand around Chiang Mai:1.

20 May 2019
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Thailand on red alert for ‘Pig Ebola’

Thailand, one of Asia’s top pork producers, is intensifying efforts to hold off a lethal pig virus that’s causing havoc as it spreads across the region.African swine fever – a disease that kills nearly all the pigs it infects – has been spreading through Asia from China and Mongolia to Vietnam and Cambodia.

20 May 2019
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